IGMP snooping and IGMP snooping proxy have the same functions but different mechanisms. IGMP snooping obtains required information by listening to IGMP messages; IGMP snooping proxy intercepts and suppresses IGMP requests of terminal users, and then forwards the requests to the router.
The Layer 2 network device with IGMP Snooping Proxy configured functions as a server on the user side. It periodically queries user information. On the network side, this switch functions as a client and reports user information after receiving query messages. Therefore, IGMP snooping proxy can not only suppress multicast packets on Layer 2 network, but also reduce the total number of protocol packets on the network. The proxy router is required for maintaining and calculating entry status changes, so the implementation is more complex and the cost is added.

When there are multicast services, IGMP Snooping used on Layer 2 devices brings the following advantages:
Saves network bandwidth.
Improves information security because packet services are independently forwarded using VLANs.
Reduces interruption time of multicast services and enhances reliability because network topology changes can be sensed in a timely manner.